SCRIPTURE

Studied: 1 John 1 

OBSERVATION

1 John 1:8-10 ~ If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us [does not dwell in our hearts]. If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. If we say (claim) we have not sinned, we contradict His Word and make Him out to be false and a liar, and His Word is not in us [the divine message of the Gospel is not in our hearts].

APPLICATION

I believe that as long as God allows us to stay here on this earth we will be tempted to, and often commit sin. However we are to quickly confess that sin to the Father and seek His forgiveness and His ongoing strength and wisdom to overcome that sin. I believe that in refusing to admit that we have sinned, we place ourselves in a position much like an unfaithful spouse who will suffer facing their partner honestly, in true love and trying to have a faithful and honest relationship with them. So it will be with us facing the Father and having any type of honest relationship with Him. In fact, it will be worse, because in the case of an unfaithful spouse their partner may not know that they have been unfaithful, but in our unfaithfulness to God, He knows and sees ALL things. So we may as well go to Him in true honesty, admit our sin and seek His forgiveness so that we may resume the relationship that He desires of us. God’s Word declares that as we go to Him and seek His forgiveness, He is faithful and just and will forgive us of our sin. Let’s keep that relationship open, pure, honest and true so that God may cleanse us of all unrighteousness and therefore resume a right relationship with Him.

PRAYER

Father, I want to be able to face You in all honesty and truth at all times. Please help me to be honest with myself and seek out the things that might ever separate me from Your love and Your mercy. You made such a sacrifice to offer a means for me to keep a honest and true relationship with You, please help me to always be faithful to You and to seek Your face daily, allowing Your Holy Spirit to work deeply in my heart so that I may confess my sin before You and live a life worthy of representing You to a lost and dying world. You are Holy, True, Righteous, Loving, Pure and Forgiving. I want to be more like You every day, so I must seek ways to have each of these characteristics prominent in my life so that You may have a right relationship with me and help me to be a witness to others seeking the same.